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24/7 Emergency Plumber in Berkeley, CA
Burst pipe, sewage in the shower, no hot water on a cold morning. Call (510) 822-3070 and a person answers, helps you stop the damage over the phone, and tells you when someone will be there and what it costs.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026
Quick answer: For a plumbing emergency in Berkeley, call (510) 822-3070 at any hour. While you wait: shut off the main water valve for a leak, stop using water for a sewage backup, and leave the house and call 911 or PG&E (1-800-743-5000) from outside if you smell gas.
What to do in the first ten minutes
| Emergency | Do this now | Who to call |
|---|---|---|
| Burst or leaking pipe | Turn off the main water valve; turn off power to wet areas if it’s safe to reach the panel | A plumber: (510) 822-3070 |
| Sewage coming up in a tub, shower or floor drain | Stop all water use: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher | A plumber for your line; the City at (510) 981-6620 after hours if it’s coming from the street |
| Gas smell | Get everyone out; don’t touch switches or appliances | 911 or PG&E 1-800-743-5000, from outside |
| Water heater leaking | Shut the cold-water valve on top of the heater; turn the gas control to off or switch off the breaker | A plumber: (510) 822-3070 |
| Can’t find or turn the main valve | Look at the front of the house, basement, crawlspace or near the water heater | EBMUD 24/7 at 1-866-403-2683 |
Emergencies we handle around the clock
- Sewer backups. Main-line clogs, root blockages and storm-night overflows. See drain cleaning.
- Burst and leaking pipes. Old galvanized lines often fail at threaded joints. Longer-term, see repiping.
- No hot water. Pilot, thermocouple, element or a failed tank. See water heaters.
- Gas line problems. Once PG&E or the fire department has made it safe: leak repair, testing and seismic shut-off valves.
- Overflowing toilets and fixtures. When shutting the fixture valve doesn’t stop it.
- Leaks into ceilings and walls. Finding the source fast to limit plaster and floor damage.
Storm nights and earthquakes: Berkeley’s emergency calendar
Freezing pipes are rare here. Berkeley’s emergency calls come from winter storms and the Hayward Fault. During atmospheric rivers, groundwater seeps into cracked sewer laterals and the system fills, so old lines back up into houses. During past storms the City has handed out free sandbags at its Corporation Yard, 1326 Allston Way (Berkeleyside).
The Hayward Fault runs through Berkeley and has an estimated 33% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or larger quake by 2043 (USGS figures via Temblor). After any felt quake, check for a gas smell before anything else, then look for leaks at the water heater and under sinks.
How an emergency call works
- You call. A person answers, helps you stop the water or make things safe, and asks what you’re seeing.
- Triage. If it’s a true emergency, you get an arrival window and the after-hours rate. If it can wait, you’re told that honestly.
- On site. The plumber finds the cause and explains the options in writing before any major work.
- Make it safe tonight. Often a temporary fix gets you through the night; the permanent repair can be scheduled at regular rates.
FAQ
Common Questions
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Water you can’t stop, sewage coming up into the house, a gas smell, no water at all, or a leak near electrical panels or wiring. A dripping faucet or a single slow drain can wait for a scheduled visit, and you’ll be told so if you call about one.
Do you really answer 24/7?
Yes. Call (510) 822-3070 at any hour and a person answers. They’ll help you shut off water if needed, work out whether it’s a true emergency, and give you an arrival window and the after-hours rate before anyone is sent.
Does an emergency plumber cost more at night?
Usually, yes. After-hours, weekend and holiday visits cost more than a scheduled weekday call. You’ll hear the rate on the phone, and if the problem can safely wait until morning, you’ll be told that too.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the house right away, without switching lights or appliances on or off. From outside, call 911 or PG&E’s gas emergency line at 1-800-743-5000. Don’t go back in until it’s declared safe. A plumber repairs gas piping once the utility has made it safe.
Who do I call if sewage is overflowing from the street or a manhole?
That’s the City’s sewer. In Berkeley, call 311 during business hours or (510) 981-6620 after hours. If sewage is backing up inside your house from your own line, that’s your lateral; call a plumber.
Where is my main water shutoff?
In most Berkeley houses it’s where the water line enters the building, often at the front of the house, in the basement or crawlspace, or near the water heater. There’s also a valve at the EBMUD meter box near the street. If you can’t find or turn either one, EBMUD’s line, 1-866-403-2683, takes emergencies around the clock.
Keep reading
Related Services
Drain cleaning
Main-line clogs and storm-night backups.
Water heaters
No hot water: repair or replace, and what the Bay Area rules mean.
Plumbing costs
Service-call fees, after-hours rates and job ranges. See emergency plumber costs.
Plumbing emergency in Berkeley?
Call (510) 822-3070 now. A person answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources checked October 15, 2026: City of Berkeley – Sewage spills · EBMUD – Contact · Berkeleyside – Atmospheric rivers · Temblor – Hayward Fault odds
Prices on this page are ranges reported by Bay Area homeowners or published by the City, not quotes. Your price comes in writing after the job is seen. Berkeley Plumbing Services connects callers with independent, licensed plumbing contractors; you can check any California contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov.